Gardaí appeal for care while driving this bank holiday

Gardaí are appealing to drivers to keep an eye out for motorcyclists over the bank holiday weekend.

There was a 70% increase in the number of motorbike deaths last year - and the National Traffic Bureau is appealing to drivers to drive slow and be vigilant about bikers undertaking them on busy roads.

Checkpoints will be in place across the country, with thousands of covert and uniformed Gardaí taking part in the operation.

"Be safe on our roads - take care of yourself and take care of everyone else on the roads, by being responsible," said Assistant Garda Commissioner John Twomey.

"Three people lost their lives [on this weekend] in 2013. We want to make this a weekend where nobody loses their life or is involved in a serious injury collision."